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Andhra Pradesh is the fifth largest state in India, both in area and population.
It is bounded by Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and the Bay of Bengal.
The northern area of AP is mountainous. The highest peak Mahendragiri rises 1500 m (4920 ft.) above the sea level.
The climate is generally hot and humid. Annual rainfall: 125cm.
The Krishna and the Godavari are the major river systems in the state.
AP is surplus in foodgrains
and produces 10 m tons of rice. Agricultural sector accounts for 50% of the State’s income and provides livelihood for 62% of the population.
AP leads all other states in the production of tobacco. Andhra Pradesh led the Indian
States in the export of mangoes in 2003-04.
Work is in full swing on India’s first underground hydel station, being setup in a space created underneath the hills on the left bank of the Srisailam Project.
With a coastline of 970 km, AP is a major maritime State of India.
The port of Vishakhapatnam caters to Madhya Pradesh and Orissa too.
The State has made advances in harnessing information technology for better administration.
The first ‘Cyber Grameen’ was launched in January 2003.
Andhra Pradesh is rich in historical monuments and many holy temples.
Tirupati, in Chittoor district, houses one of the most famous temples in India.
The presiding deity is known as Lord Venkateswara. The main temple is situated on a hill-top, Tirumalai, and is a masterpiece of South Indian architecture.
The temple of Sriramachandra at Bhadrachalam, the Mallikarjunaswami temple at
Sri Sailam, the Ahobalam temple, Srikumman temple and the Simhachalam temple are among the other famous temples of Andhra Pradesh.
The main tourist attraction is the capital of the state, Hyderabad.
The capital is in reality the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, with the Hussain Sagar lake in between.
Places of interest are the Char Minar (built in 1591), Osamania University, State Museum and Art Gallery, Salarjung Museum, Health Museum, Nehru Zoological Park, Public Gardens, Birla Mandir and Macca
Masjid.
Another important center of tourism is Golconda, about 8 km from Hyderabad. The capital of the Qutub Shahi Sultansin the 16th century, Golconda is rich in historical monuments which include the famous Golconda Fort.
Golconda was known the world over, as a rich mine of diamonds in the mediaeval times.
The famous diamonds, Kohinoor and Pitt, came from the mines of
Golconda.
Nagarjuna Sagar dam and the vicinity attracts large number of tourists.
Yadagiri Gutta at Nalgonda, Vemulawada at Karimnagar and Ramappa and Thousand Pillars temple at Warrangal are also centers of tourist attraction.
Nagarjuna Srisailam Sanctuary is the largest tiger reserve in India.
One of the world’s best-equipped film studios is situated in Andhra Pradesh.
Ramoji Film City, at an hour’s distance from Hyderabad, is spread over 1000 acres.
Andhra Pradesh became the first State to have its own TV channel, with the
inauguration of Mana TV in March 2001.
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